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Woman Who Doesn’t Own Home Named In Foreclosure

Hearing about another foreclosure in Orange County isn't unusual, what is unusual about this case is a woman wrapped up in a foreclosure proceeding doesn't own the house.

In fact, the woman was just 15 years old when the Stoneybrook West home was purchased. She doesn't know who owns the house, but the bank named her in the foreclosure papers.

It appears the bank's attorneys believe she was married to the homeowner at some point, but that's an error, and experts say mistakes like this are becoming common with so many foreclosures flowing through courthouses.

“I was very freaked out and was very shocked,” Alicia Brust said.

When you're served papers that a lawsuit has been filed against you, it is never good news, but the suit demands $325,000. That’s downright terrifying.

“I can't even imagine how much money that is, how many dollar bills it would be,” Brust said.

Brust was served on Saturday and has no idea why. She's named as a defendant on the foreclosure of a vacant Stoneybrooke West home. Her best guess is that she gets child support from an ex with a name similar to the owner of the vacant house.

The giant law firm that filed the papers said, tell it to the judge. In writing, they make it clear she needs an attorney. It’s a very difficult option for the mother of two.

Alicia's real home is a far cry from posh Stoneybrooke West. She actually rents a modest condo in Winter Garden.

Local attorney and state representative Darrin Soto says lawyers can get sloppy, especially processing so many foreclosures.

“It can be a matter of the wrong address, the wrong middle name. There are plenty of ways the wrong person can be served with frightening papers,” Soto said.

But what happens when legal threats get leveled against you for no reason?

“It's tough. You're obligated to respond to that lawsuit, even though you know it has nothing to do with you,” Soto said.

It may take an attorney to clear up the mess and that's the down side; anyone could end up spending money on attorneys to protect themselves from mistakes like this.
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